Stand-alone community-owned Sarina Aged Care in the rural town of Sarina in Central Queensland, has announced it will transfer its entire operations to Not For Profit operator Ozcare.
Sarina Aged Care consists of 47 residential aged care beds, one respite bed, plus 13 Independent Living Units in a new wing built in 2012. It offers residents a continuum of care.
It is holding a meeting with residents and families today to explain the decision.
“We have not taken this decision lightly,” said Sarina Aged Care Chairman, Ralph Johnson, to residents and families.
The letter states that “increasing external pressures”, the Australian Government’s aged care reforms and increasing regulatory burdens, and the higher number of residents with complex needs are the reasons behind the decision.
The consolidation follows the decision of Wesley Mission to close its three remaining Sydney aged care homes forcing 200 residents to find new homes, and WA Not for Profit provider Brightwater’s decision to close three of its smallest and older aged care facilities over the next 12 months.
Sarina Aged Care, which has a volunteer board of directors, has established “a very strong financial position”.
Ozcare “has the size and scale to deal with today’s growing demands of operating aged care facilities,” Ralph added.
Ozcare operates 16 aged care facilities and six retirement villages across Queensland, as well as offering home care, respite and dementia care, and other care services. It is a part of the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland.
Ozcare is also mission-aligned with Sarina, and has a local presence in Mackay, which is 37km north of Sarina.
Ralph said the operator will work to ensure “minimal disruption” to services and all staff will retain their roles.
